There's a reason vehicles like the 2013 Honda CR-V are called compact utility vehicles, because they are bred to be useful. Thankfully, that's just what the CR-V is; practical for everyday use and functional for the long-term. It might not be the most extravagant CUV on the market, but it gets the job done and looks pretty good doing it.
Honda is known for engineering real-world vehicles and this latest iteration of the CR-V is no exception. I was quite impressed with my time behind the wheel, and it's easy to see why it's only trailing the Ford Escape for first place as best-selling CUV in Canada (so far in 2013).
What is a Honda CR-V?
The Honda CR-V was designed as a compact SUV when it first emerged in 1996. It has since fallen into the highly competitive crossover market segment, but has always had plenty to offer in terms of practicality and drivability.
2013 Honda CR-V LX Price and Specs
While the LX 2WD starts at just $27,800, my particular tester featured Honda's AWD so was a bit more at $30,100. With no extras, because it comes pretty well equipped with Bluetooth, Honda's i-MID entertainment system, as well as a back-up camera, the 2013 Honda CR-V LX AWD is priced to go.
No matter which trim you choose (of the six available), the engine remains the same: a 2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder that pushes out 185 horsepower and is coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is also available on select trim levels. stème de contrôle intelligent est optionnel avec les 2 premières versions.
Driving the 2013 Honda CR-V LX
The CR-V's engine offers plenty of pep to get this little compact crossover moving. Blissfully, the CR-V drives just as you'd expect a Honda to: very well. The Drive-by-Wire throttle system ensures quick throttle response and acceleration, and the automatic transmission is quite pleasant as well.
An "Econ" drive mode is available in the 2013 Honda CR-V LX for added fuel efficiency, though I'd only recommend using it while travelling at lower speeds and in and around urban settings. It kind of bogs everything down and makes everything ultra, uber eco-friendly (i.e., boring).
What exactly are those fuel efficiency numbers? Well Honda rates the CR-V at 6.6L/100km on the highway for the AWD model. Not bad for a vehicle that offers up family-friendly qualities and all-weather capability.
Obviously, this isn't a blisteringly fast crossover. However, it really is nice to drive. I never felt it confused over gear choice or bogged down. That's truly what makes a Honda so appealing in my opinion: They're always a joy to drive.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Honda CR-V LX
Truthfully, the Honda CR-V is not the most spectacular CUV to behold. In fact, it's rather plain looking; but that's OK because it's purposeful, and upon closer inspection you'll notice that it does actually have quite a few nice cosmetic touches.
Take, for example, the front fascia. I'm quite taken by the angular, modern lights and snubby nose. While it's very much in line with the rest of the Honda lineup (family resemblance) the chunkier features of the CR-V give it a different look that I quite like.
Around back, the almond-shaped rear and framing taillights add to the modern look.
Inside the 2013 CR-V, you'll find typical Honda fare. As this is the LX version it's pretty basic, but that's not a bad thing. Cloth seats might not be fancy, but they should wear well. And, of course, you get Honda's plethora of buttons and knobs to play with in the centre console and on the steering wheel.
Of note is the 2013 Honda CR-V's trunk: I love the low load height, however, the handle to open the liftgate is a bit low and can be awkward to open and close.
Comparing the 2013 Honda CR-V LX
Few segments are as competitive as the crossover market at the moment, and with good reason. Everyone is trying to best each other, and while it may seem like Honda is falling by the wayside while CUVs like the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and even the Subaru Forester hit the ground running with brand new looks inside and out, I think they've got it all figured out on this one.
The CR-V is the perfect example of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Honda is known for engineering real-world vehicles and this latest iteration of the CR-V is no exception. I was quite impressed with my time behind the wheel, and it's easy to see why it's only trailing the Ford Escape for first place as best-selling CUV in Canada (so far in 2013).
What is a Honda CR-V?
The Honda CR-V was designed as a compact SUV when it first emerged in 1996. It has since fallen into the highly competitive crossover market segment, but has always had plenty to offer in terms of practicality and drivability.
2013 Honda CR-V LX Price and Specs
While the LX 2WD starts at just $27,800, my particular tester featured Honda's AWD so was a bit more at $30,100. With no extras, because it comes pretty well equipped with Bluetooth, Honda's i-MID entertainment system, as well as a back-up camera, the 2013 Honda CR-V LX AWD is priced to go.
No matter which trim you choose (of the six available), the engine remains the same: a 2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder that pushes out 185 horsepower and is coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is also available on select trim levels. stème de contrôle intelligent est optionnel avec les 2 premières versions.
Driving the 2013 Honda CR-V LX
The CR-V's engine offers plenty of pep to get this little compact crossover moving. Blissfully, the CR-V drives just as you'd expect a Honda to: very well. The Drive-by-Wire throttle system ensures quick throttle response and acceleration, and the automatic transmission is quite pleasant as well.
An "Econ" drive mode is available in the 2013 Honda CR-V LX for added fuel efficiency, though I'd only recommend using it while travelling at lower speeds and in and around urban settings. It kind of bogs everything down and makes everything ultra, uber eco-friendly (i.e., boring).
What exactly are those fuel efficiency numbers? Well Honda rates the CR-V at 6.6L/100km on the highway for the AWD model. Not bad for a vehicle that offers up family-friendly qualities and all-weather capability.
Obviously, this isn't a blisteringly fast crossover. However, it really is nice to drive. I never felt it confused over gear choice or bogged down. That's truly what makes a Honda so appealing in my opinion: They're always a joy to drive.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Honda CR-V LX
Truthfully, the Honda CR-V is not the most spectacular CUV to behold. In fact, it's rather plain looking; but that's OK because it's purposeful, and upon closer inspection you'll notice that it does actually have quite a few nice cosmetic touches.
Take, for example, the front fascia. I'm quite taken by the angular, modern lights and snubby nose. While it's very much in line with the rest of the Honda lineup (family resemblance) the chunkier features of the CR-V give it a different look that I quite like.
Around back, the almond-shaped rear and framing taillights add to the modern look.
Inside the 2013 CR-V, you'll find typical Honda fare. As this is the LX version it's pretty basic, but that's not a bad thing. Cloth seats might not be fancy, but they should wear well. And, of course, you get Honda's plethora of buttons and knobs to play with in the centre console and on the steering wheel.
Of note is the 2013 Honda CR-V's trunk: I love the low load height, however, the handle to open the liftgate is a bit low and can be awkward to open and close.
Comparing the 2013 Honda CR-V LX
Few segments are as competitive as the crossover market at the moment, and with good reason. Everyone is trying to best each other, and while it may seem like Honda is falling by the wayside while CUVs like the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and even the Subaru Forester hit the ground running with brand new looks inside and out, I think they've got it all figured out on this one.
The CR-V is the perfect example of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
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